Top 10 Best Selling Albums in the UK During the 1970s

By Chris Kennedy | Published 8th June, 2026

The 1970s was one of the most exciting decades in music history. Rock, pop, disco, folk and progressive music all flourished, producing albums that continue to influence artists today. The UK charts were dominated by a collection of timeless records that sold millions of copies and became cultural landmarks. From the harmonious folk sounds of Simon & Garfunkel to the disco phenomenon of the Bee Gees and the pop perfection of ABBA, these albums captured the imagination of music fans across Britain.

The 10 Best Selling Albums in the UK Charts During the 1970s

10. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)

Released in February 1977, Rumours became one of the most successful albums ever recorded. Created during a period of personal turmoil within Fleetwood Mac, the album transformed heartbreak and relationship drama into musical gold. Its most famous songs include Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Don't Stop, and The Chain. Critics praised its songwriting, production quality and emotional honesty, while audiences quickly embraced it. The album topped charts around the world and sold more than 40 million copies globally, including approximately 2.5 million copies in the UK alone. Nearly five decades later, Rumours remains one of the defining albums of the 1970s.

9. Grease – Original Soundtrack (1978)

The soundtrack to the hit musical film Grease was released in 1978 and became an instant sensation. Featuring performances from John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the album produced a string of memorable hits including You're the One That I Want, Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin', and Hopelessly Devoted to You. The soundtrack captured the fun and nostalgia of 1950s rock and roll while appealing to a modern audience. It was hugely popular with the public, spending multiple weeks at number one in the UK and eventually selling over 15 million copies worldwide, with around 2.8 million sales in Britain.

8. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (1973)

Released in March 1973, Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made. Combining progressive rock, philosophical themes and groundbreaking studio techniques, the album featured classic tracks such as Money, Time, Us and Them, and Brain Damage. Critics praised its ambition and innovation, while audiences connected with its exploration of life, stress and human nature. The album spent an astonishing number of years on international charts and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide, including approximately 2.9 million copies in the UK.

7. Arrival – ABBA (1976)

Released in October 1976, Arrival marked ABBA's transformation into international pop superstars. Packed with unforgettable melodies and polished production, the album included massive hits such as Dancing Queen, Money, Money, Money, Knowing Me, Knowing You, and Fernando on certain editions. Music fans embraced the album immediately, helping establish ABBA as one of the most successful groups of all time. Arrival sold more than 10 million copies globally and around 3 million copies in the UK, becoming one of the decade's most beloved pop albums.

6. The Singles: 1969–1973 – The Carpenters (1974)

Released in November 1973 and becoming a major UK seller in 1974, The Singles: 1969–1973 gathered together The Carpenters' biggest hits. Karen Carpenter's distinctive voice and the duo's easy-listening style made them enormously popular with audiences. Highlights include We've Only Just Begun, Close to You, Rainy Days and Mondays, and Top of the World. The compilation was warmly received by both critics and fans, becoming one of the best-selling greatest hits albums of the decade. It sold over 7 million copies worldwide, with approximately 3.2 million sales in the UK.

5. Saturday Night Fever – Original Soundtrack / Bee Gees (1977)

Released in late 1977 alongside the blockbuster film, the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack became synonymous with the disco era. The Bee Gees dominated the album with iconic songs including Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, How Deep Is Your Love, and More Than a Woman. The soundtrack helped fuel the global disco craze and was enthusiastically embraced by music fans. It spent months near the top of charts worldwide and has sold more than 40 million copies globally. UK sales exceeded 3.3 million copies, making it one of Britain's biggest-selling albums of the decade.

4. Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits – Simon & Garfunkel (1972)

Released in June 1972, this compilation brought together the finest moments from Simon & Garfunkel's remarkable career. Featuring timeless classics such as Mrs. Robinson, The Sound of Silence, Scarborough Fair/Canticle, and Bridge Over Troubled Water, the collection introduced a new generation of listeners to the duo's music. Audiences responded enthusiastically, making it one of the most enduring greatest hits albums ever released. The album sold over 14 million copies worldwide, including approximately 3.4 million copies in the UK.

3. Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield (1973)

Mike Oldfield's debut album Tubular Bells was released in May 1973 and became one of the most unexpected success stories in British music history. The largely instrumental album blended progressive rock, folk and classical influences into a unique listening experience. Its opening theme became instantly recognizable after being featured in the horror film The Exorcist. Critics admired Oldfield's musicianship and innovation, while the public embraced its originality. The album helped launch Virgin Records and went on to sell more than 15 million copies worldwide, including around 3.8 million copies in the UK.

2. Greatest Hits – ABBA (1976)

Released in November 1975 and becoming one of the defining UK sellers of 1976, Greatest Hits showcased ABBA's remarkable run of chart successes. The collection featured fan favourites such as Waterloo, SOS, Mamma Mia, Fernando, and I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do. The album cemented ABBA's reputation as the premier pop group of the decade and became a staple in households across Britain. It sold over 11 million copies worldwide, with approximately 4 million copies sold in the UK, making it one of the country's most successful compilation albums ever.

1. Bridge over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel (1970)

Topping the list is Simon & Garfunkel's masterpiece Bridge over Troubled Water, released in January 1970. The duo's final studio album featured some of their most celebrated recordings, including the title track, The Boxer, Cecilia, and El Condor Pasa (If I Could). Critics hailed the album as a landmark achievement in songwriting and production, while music fans made it an enormous commercial success. The album won multiple Grammy Awards and became one of the defining records of the decade. It has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and around 5 million copies in the UK, making it the best-selling album of the 1970s in Britain.

Why These Albums Still Matter Today

The best-selling UK albums of the 1970s represent a golden era of music. Whether it was the emotional storytelling of Fleetwood Mac, the disco energy of the Bee Gees, the pop brilliance of ABBA, or the timeless songwriting of Simon & Garfunkel, these records continue to attract new listeners decades after their release. Their extraordinary sales figures reflect not only commercial success but also a lasting cultural impact that has helped shape modern popular music.

For music fans exploring classic albums, these ten records remain essential listening and stand as some of the greatest achievements in recording history.

Photo Credit: theBeat.ie